The hike to the Cantrell Creek Lodge site is a beautiful, easy river walk on South Mills River Trail. Most of the South Mills River Watershed is classified as Outstanding Resource Waters because of its excellent water quality and recreational significance. There are many great campsites on the river.

You can go as far as you want and set up camp, so it makes a perfect excursion for beginning backpackers or when testing new equipment. Several bridges were demolished by Hurricanes Frances and Ivan in 2004, but they have been replaced.

Length: 8.0 miles

Altitude gain: 700 ft.

Map: Pisgah Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest, National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map #780

Trailhead: From the community of Pisgah Forest, drive 5.2 miles east on NC 280. Turn left on Turkey Pen Rd. at the Transylvania/Henderson County line and drive 1.4 miles to the parking area.

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